IT is amazing how fast something can become a festive tradition.

Dunham Massey’s Illuminated Trail is just in its third year but it is already a firm highlight for many in the run-up to Christmas.

The winter trail sees the National Trust site throw open its gates at night for a series of spectacular, memorising and Instagram-worthy light installations which will wow the whole family. After many recommendations from friends and family to see the attraction, I finally saw it for myself this year and am now very much a convert.

My six-year-old son was equally impressed so it was a lovely experience to share with him and made for many memorable moments as we strolled around for about an hour soaking it all up.

Northwich Guardian:

The trail – created in a partnership between Dunham Massey and Raymond Gubbay – features installations and tens of thousands of glowing lights from renowned designers such as French studio TILT and Australia’s Mandylights.

There is more to see for 2019 and some new attractions, including some created specially for the event.

Among them is a stunning advent calendar-style projection onto the Georgian building, Dunham Massey Hall, which also featured mischievous penguins throwing snowballs and moving reindeer.

We were bowled over by the quality and vibrant colours in the images and the sense of fun.

Our other favourites were the Field of Light which formed hypnotising patterns on the grass, Fire on the Water where rings of fire cast reflections with a projection of snowflakes as a backdrop and Firework Trees where light and sound effects transformed the woods into a ‘firework’ display.

The word magical is thrown around a lot at this time of year but Dunham Massey’s Illuminated Trail really deserves that description. It lights up the Christmas period and really has to be seen to be believed.

Christmas at Dunham Massey. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/features/christmas-at-dunham-massey runs until December 30